Some common questions on how we work alongside allopathic medicine

“But what will my doctor say?”

Take a look at Helen Smallwood’s video about this exact question, which shows that acupuncture is popular, and that research has shown that it is well-supported by medical professionals.

Studies have shown that majority (83%) of GPs agree acupuncture can be clinically useful and 72% that it can be cost effective. (Lipman et al, 2003), and 65% agree acupuncture is effective (White, Resch, & Ernst 1997).  In a study by the British Medical Association

“Overall 79% of the GPs agreed that they would like to see acupuncture available on the NHS” (BMA, 2000 p76).

Where GPs recommend acupuncture to patients, it is mostly for pain relief, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological conditions, stress, skin diseases and chronic illnesses (BMA, 2000; Giannelli, Cuttini, Da Fre & Buiatti, 2007; Adams 2001a; Ernst 2000b; Desser, 2003, Lewis & Halvorsen, 2003). Their support is shown by the fact that between 59% (BMA, 2000) and 79% (Lipman, 2000) of GPs would like to see acupuncture available within the NHS.

Chen et al, in a survey of doctors (2010; n=1083 physicians, USA) found that the overwhelming majority of replies from doctors had a positive attitude and favourable experience of using acupuncture for patients’ chronic pain management. Similarly a later study showed acupuncture is considered a useful modality by physician leaders, that it is a safe and worthwhile option for common pain conditions (Mann et al, 2016).

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